OSU-CHS recognized with HEED Award
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | sara.plummer@okstate.edu
OSU Center for Health Sciences received the 2021 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
The award is a national honor recognizing U.S. health colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
OSU-CHS established the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in October 2020.
Brenda Davidson, assistant dean of diversity at OSU-CHS, said it’s an incredible accomplishment to be given a Health Professions HEED Award.
“We are honored to be recognized for our efforts in embracing diversity, equity and inclusion and our continued commitment to enhancing our initiatives,” Davidson said.
“Receiving this award demonstrates the commitment OSU Center for Health Sciences has to creating an open, safe environment for every student, resident, faculty and staff member where everyone feels like they belong and that their voice is heard.”
OSU-CHS, along with 50 other recipients, will be featured in the December 2021 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
The DEI Committee was formed in 2020. Members include students, staff, residents and faculty who work to develop and grow programs and initiatives focused on diversity, equity and inclusion as well as increase participation in events such as Black History Month, Native American Heritage Month and International Women’s Day.
“The Health Professions HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a Health Professions HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for schools where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”
Davidson said being recognized with a Health Professions HEED Award demonstrates that OSU-CHS values integrity, open-mindedness and empathy toward others as well as acknowledging and accepting differences.
“Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels included, respected, welcomed and valued. This prestigious national award proves this institution’s exemplary leadership and commitment to promoting and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives throughout the OSU-CHS community,” she said. “We are humbled and understand there is work to be done and we are continuously focused on expanding our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.”